The trainer I admire most (http://www.leerburg.com) is completely and totally against off-leash dog parks. He says it's not a matter of if some dogs will fight, but WHEN they'll fight. My girls are small dogs (chi/italian greyhound and jrt/westie). Most parks have special areas for the small dogs, but without someone regulating whether or not each pet is licensed, fully vaccinated, spay or neutered, I just don't think I could let my girls participate.
What do you think? What has been your experience?
2006-11-16 11:03:59 · 11 answers · asked by ? 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
My girls have their own yard and are walked at lunchtime. I just feel like they could really use some socializing and I kinda feel guilty not letting them play. My friends have large dogs (a rottie and an aust.shep) and they take them all the time. I've just read too many horror stories and I'm afraid for my little girls.
2006-11-16 11:15:51 · update #1
Not with MY dogs.
They are FULL of rude dogs that are not under control and my dogs have a very low tolerance for dogs with no manners. You have no idea if they are vaccinated either. I agree that they are full of fights just waiting to happen.
Ugh!!! No WAY I would take my dogs there.
Maybe you could arrange play dates with a friend or two? Go to an obedience class to meet others if you don't. At least then you will know the people and the dogs.
2006-11-16 14:42:16 · answer #1 · answered by whpptwmn 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is the good, the bad and the ugly at the dog parks. I personally don't like them very much, but I have gone a few times wtih my dogs, but I go VERY early in the morning where basically I am the only one there and let my dogs run and swim (we have a beach).
If you do go - go with a doggie friend and go during off peak hours. Watch the dogs before you go in and make sure you think the dogs are behaving o.k. And make sure the owners have control over their dogs. I've seen owners just hanging out chatting and not watching their dogs. Some parks are worse than others.
2006-11-16 20:19:16 · answer #2 · answered by dobes 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When it comes to "off-leash dog parks", we have to differentiate the types of off leash parks first.
There are "off-leash parks" that are a part of big wildness parks. In this type of parks, there are walking trails, hiking trails, and beaches. There are not fences around the parks and it is normally designated big sections of regional and state parks.
And there are "dog parks" that are fenced around and there are nothing else in it but an empty limited space where dogs can run around and to play with each other. These are most common in the cities and suburban neighborhoods.
I take my dogs to both types of the parks. What I noticed is that dogs are much more friendly with each other and more preoccupied with other things in any "off-leashed" regional or state park areas. They may play with other dogs but mainly they are busy smelling the trails, running, walking, looking around and investigating. In this setting, dogs do not fight with each other. When they meet other dogs in the trail or at the beach, they may greet each other but they usually just move on with whatever they were busy doing.
However, in a "fenced dog park", the dogs can behave more aggressively. The reason is that most often, same dogs go to their neighborhood dog parks and they "so of" form a pack of their own whenever they meet at the same dog park.
Naturally, they try to establish their own hierarchy system.
So, if your dog is naturally alpha, it will try to dominate other dogs every time it visits the same dog park.
Therefore, this can be a problem. In the process of establishing their hierarchy system, they fight for their place.
This is a natually thing for the dogs.
2006-11-16 19:51:12 · answer #3 · answered by CA W 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Things can go from good & fun to bad & ugly really quick at the dog park. No matter how well-trained or well-behaved your dogs are, things can spiral out of control when dogs are allowed on their own. I especially wouldn't recommend a dog park for small dogs. I have two 20-pound dogs who have grown up together that ocassionally get into snarly fights I have to break up.
If you want to socialize your dogs, which is really important, I'd suggest a couple things. One, find a "doggie day camp" (Petsmart offers these in some areas). Small groups of dogs are allowed to play in an enclosed area. There are experienced staffers there to look out for aggression and stop fights. Otherwise, find a neighbor or friend with smaller dogs to have supervised walks or "playdates" with.
2006-11-16 19:42:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have not had an experience with an off leash dog park. But i would never take my dog to one. Your little dog could be mauled by a bigger one, even if they are separated, a big dog might get yours. And without a leash, their owner has no way to control them. And you are absolutely correct that you dont know whether the other dogs have been vaccinated and licensed. I would pass on it.
2006-11-16 19:11:58 · answer #5 · answered by Stark 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
My dog is utd on her shots and on heartworm and flea medication and she loves going to the dog park. We go to the one at White Rock Lake in Dallas that has 2 areas, one for large and one for small dogs. Luna is borderline at 30 pounds she could go to either one, but I take her to the big dog one and she loves it. I've never had a problem except right before I decided to have Luna spayed and another dog kept humping her. This reminded me to take her in for the surgery. It's fun for ownders and pets at the dog park because you can talk with the other owners and you're dog gets socialized. We only have Luna so socialization is important. The one at White Rock is also on a lake with plenty of trails to jog with Luna on and the dog park has a seperate area for dogs who get a dip in the lake. It's always a great experience for us and we've never seen an actual fight. There's been a few times with dogs have been playing rough or growling and barking at one another, but I've never seen blood drawn or anything like that. It seems like typical dog behavoir.
2006-11-16 19:56:44 · answer #6 · answered by svs_g 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the trainer,off-leash parks are dangerous to not only the dogs but to the people! And more dogs can get loose and get in trouble running around the citys.
2006-11-16 19:06:59 · answer #7 · answered by mewhyper 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I agree with you. You never know if other animals are spayed; etc. or well adjusted to being around a number of other animals at once. And dogs tend to have a pack heirarchy~ one always wants to be boss. At least that has been my experience. Some dogs are like people! they don't mix. I have a Siberian Husky and she is very friendly but there are some animals that she does not react well to. You just never know.
I really would like to adopt a grey hound. Awesome that you have one! Good luck!
2006-11-16 19:09:05 · answer #8 · answered by d☻min☺ 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would never bring bring my dogs to an off leash dog park. They could get sick from other dogs . They could aslo get into fights.
2006-11-17 10:25:18 · answer #9 · answered by sarah 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not agree with many dog parks at all. not just for the fear of fighting, but transfering of viruses and diseases. i would say - let them run in a safer place such as a yard where they are contained and not introduced to soooooooooooo many other unknown animals. IT IS JUST TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO RISKY!!!
2006-11-16 19:10:11 · answer #10 · answered by litlbigdg 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋